Due to the Chicago Teachers Union Leadership's choice to strike, Chicago Public Schools is opening 144 Children First sites on Monday, September 10. If you have no alternative options for childcare, visit here to sign up your child, or call 311.

CPS is committed to staying at the negotiating table with the CTU - every day if needed - to ensure our students stay in the classroom and continue to take advantage of more time with their teachers with the Full School Day.

We are strongly encouraging all parents to first explore other options for their children. We know that a strike will put a strain on many families, and no one will be hurt more by a strike than our students.

For families that are not able to access alternative options for their children, the "Children First" plan is a safety net to provide a safe environment, food, and engaging activities:

144 CPS "Children First" site locations will be open to students with limited hours in the event the leadership of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) chooses to strike.

Parents can sign-up their child at a Children First site using their student identification (ID) number through the sign-up tool located on the right side of this page.

Parents without access to the internet can call 311 or visit their local library to sign-up their child.

Every CPS student has been assigned a designated site in their community that is not necessarily their regular school, but will be equipped to address their needs and provide a safe environment. Parents are strongly encouraged to register their children to ensure staff at the site are prepared for any needs children may have.

Please Note: A student identification (ID) number is required to sign up. The student ID number can be located on all CPS progress reports and report cards or by visiting the Manage Students page in the CPS Parent Portal. Parents of high school students can also find their student's ID number on their child's identification card. If parents are unable to find their child's ID number they can also obtain it from their principal.

CPS is working in close partnership with City Sister Agencies - including the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Chicago Fire and Police Departments and the Office of Emergency Management - as well as faith-based organizations, non-profits and other stakeholders to ensure students receive the support they need in the event that the leadership of the CTU chooses to strike and until the leadership of the CTU chooses to provide instruction in the classroom.

In an effort to support students and families of CPS, 59 faith based organizations will provide Safe Haven sites in the event CTU leadership chooses to strike. Registration is free and available on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited. For additional information please call 773.553.2500.